A practical implementation of modern Distributed Control Systems in Electric Power Substations

This paper presents a practical implementation of a modern DCS in energy sector, applicable for electric power transmission and distributions substations. When dealing with aging infrastructure the reward from investing in modern automation solution can be substantial, with benefits such increasing productivity, cost savings, safety operations, scalable solution and a better integration in the modern IT facilities. The modern DCS systems evolved into a flexible and scalable automation solutions, which make them mandatory in the actual competitive energy business environment. Comparing to PLCs and traditional DCS, the modern DCS systems are designed to provide automation solution in a safe, reliable and cost-effectively manner. The main goal of this article is to present and suggest an optimal DCS design and functional solutions taking into consideration customer requirements, international and customer applicable norms, budget constraint, hardware and software limitations, integration of existing equipment, cybersecurity and low impact of the monitored and controlled process for extension and future growth. The principles presented in this paper can be found implemented in Romania mainly in the electric power transmission substations, owned by Romanian Transmission and System Operator CNTEE Transelectrica SA.